Sate Lilit (Balinese Minced Fish Satay on Lemongrass)
In short: Minced fish mixed with grated coconut, shallot, chili and lime leaf, wrapped around lemongrass stalks and grilled until lightly charred and fragrant. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 335 kcal
Sate lilit is Bali's version of satay, made with minced fish or meat that is wrapped around a skewer instead of threaded onto it. The fish is mixed with grated coconut, shallots, chilies and shredded lime leaf, then molded onto stalks of lemongrass, which perfume the skewer from the inside as it grills. It is a Balinese temple-festival favorite. Serve with sambal matah and rice.
Instructions
- Blend the shallots, garlic, chilies, galangal, turmeric and candlenuts into a paste. Fry it in the oil for 3 minutes until fragrant, then cool completely.
- Chop the fish very finely with a sharp knife, then pound or pulse it briefly so it turns sticky but is not smooth like paste.
- Mix the fish with the coconut, cooled paste, lime leaves, sugar, salt and lime juice. Knead by hand for 3 minutes until the mixture holds together.
- With wet hands, take about 2 tbsp of the mixture and press it around the top two-thirds of a lemongrass stalk into a sausage shape. Repeat, then chill the skewers for 20 minutes.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grate. Cook the skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until lightly charred and firm, with the fish at 63°C (145°F).
- Serve hot with sambal matah and rice.
Tips
- Do not process the fish to a smooth paste. Fine mince holds together on the stalk and keeps a pleasant bite.
- No lemongrass stalks? Use flat bamboo skewers soaked in water and add 1 finely chopped lemongrass heart to the mixture. In the oven, broil 10 cm from the heat for 8 minutes, turning once.
Questions and answers
Can I use chicken or pork instead of fish?
Yes. Balinese cooks often make sate lilit with minced pork, chicken or even beef. Cook minced chicken to 74°C (165°F) and minced pork or beef to 71°C (160°F).
Can I make sate lilit ahead of time?
Shape the skewers up to a day ahead and keep them chilled, covered. Grill them just before serving.
What do I serve with sate lilit?
Steamed rice and sambal matah are classic. A simple cucumber and tomato salad and a wedge of lime also go well.
How long does it take to make Sate Lilit (Balinese Minced Fish Satay on Lemongrass)?
About 55 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Sate Lilit (Balinese Minced Fish Satay on Lemongrass)?
About 335 kcal per serving, with 27 g of protein, 11 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 335 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
